What’s Going on With Yellowstone Right Now?

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for Western dramas and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of television, I must say that the return of Yellowstone is not just a welcome sight, but a hearty dose of anticipation and intrigue. The absence of John Dutton has left an indelible mark on the series, much like the void left by a fallen cowboy in the Wild West.

For more than two years now, it’s been since Paramount Network last broadcast new episodes of Taylor Sheridan and John Linson’s Western series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner. Unlike shows that usually release a new season annually from 2018 to 2022, this one has followed an unusual pattern. In that period, the show’s viewership has consistently grown to unprecedented levels, with each premiere setting records for live and same-day viewing. With spin-offs being commissioned and Sheridan’s creative empire expanding, Yellowstone became the highest-rated cable program. However, despite not being alone in experiencing delays due to last year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Yellowstone encountered additional challenges such as scheduling conflicts and behind-the-scenes drama, both before and after the industry standstill.

On November 10th, this Sunday, “Yellowstone” returns at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasting the initial episode of a six-part finale that will bring an end to the current season and presumably the storyline (for now). Regrettably, Kevin Costner won’t be making an appearance, leaving the future developments somewhat vague. Here’s what you should catch up on regarding the last events on “Yellowstone” and potential upcoming twists.

Why isn’t Kevin Costner returning?

What’s Going on With Yellowstone Right Now?

Currently, Costner is engaged in multiple roles – directing, producing, and acting – for the self-financed western series titled “Horizon: An American Saga“. This series consists of four planned epic westerns, with the first two installments (“Chapter 1” and “2“) released earlier this year. The production for chapters three and four is ongoing, despite financial challenges being reported. It was previously speculated that Costner might depart from “Yellowstone” to focus solely on his passion project upon the completion of Season 5, with some sources suggesting he even refused to finish filming the second half. However, Costner himself clarified that he had always intended to return to wrap up John Dutton’s story if it aligned with his schedule, potentially filming a sixth and even seventh season.

As a passionate film enthusiast, let me share my perspective on a recent behind-the-scenes drama: It seems there was tension between Kevin Costner and me (Kevin Costner’s co-star or director) over scheduling conflicts. From my viewpoint, I had too many ongoing projects that made it challenging to deliver the scripts in time for Season 5, as filming for Horizon was already underway. Kevin, on the other hand, presented a series of requests, such as salary hikes and the power to veto any scripts from the season if needed. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, I shared my sentiments, stating, “I’ve always been able to resolve issues with Kevin over the phone. However, when lawyers get involved, communication breaks down, and people start saying things that aren’t accurate, trying to shift blame based on public reaction. I truly hope this movie is worth it – and that it turns out to be a good one.” I stand by my statement that Kevin’s absence won’t change the overall resolution of my character arc, though it will likely shorten it.

What happened last on Yellowstone?

A significant portion of Season 5 focused on John Dutton’s tenure as Montana’s governor, a position he assumed primarily to sabotage Market Equities’ proposed airport and commercial projects on his land. He managed this with the assistance of his daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly), now his chief of staff, and his former adversary, attorney general son Jamie (West Bentley). Additionally, John spent considerable time at the ranch, away from his duties in Helena, where he began a relationship with his new environmental advisor, animal rights activist, and stereotypical liberal figure, Summer (Piper Perabo).

In the storyline, John’s son Kayce (Luke Grimes) and his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille) were deeply grieving over their lost baby boy during the season. Meanwhile, Beth and Jamie’s rivalry intensified, with Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) cleverly pushing Jamie towards calling for his father’s impeachment to support Market Equities. Now, Beth desires Jamie’s demise, and his hint at hiring “experts” implies he is also willing to eliminate his sister from the picture as well.

By the way, Rip (Cole Hauser) and several ranch workers are planning a trip to Texas, taking half the herd of cattle with them. They aim to stay there until the ranch’s contamination caused by stray Yellowstone buffalo subsides.

What will the final half-season focus on?

What’s Going on With Yellowstone Right Now?

The latest trailer doesn’t give us many details about what’s coming in the last six episodes; instead, it mostly consists of familiar lines about safeguarding the family and the ranch. However, it’s likely that Beth and Jamie’s civil conflict will play a significant role this season, and there’s a strong possibility that Kayce might be compelled to take a stance.

It’s uncertain at this point how Kevin Costner will be phased out of the series, but director Christina Voros has suggested that John’s role in these episodes is “critical.” She didn’t elaborate on the specifics, leaving us to wonder if Costner might reappear or if his character will continue to influence events subtly. Some viewers have likened Yellowstone to Succession, and with both shows concluding their final seasons, the absence of a leading patriarch seems to be a shared theme.

What other Yellowstone spinoffs are in the pipeline?

Speculation persists about a potential return for Season 6 of “Yellowstone,” as it’s rumored that stars Kyle Hauser and Wesley Reilly are in negotiations to reprise their roles. In the meantime, there’s plenty to anticipate within the “Yellowstone” universe. Already on Paramount+, two prequel series have been aired, focusing on earlier generations of the Dutton family: “1883,” starring Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott, and “1923,” featuring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. The latter is currently filming its second and final season. Additionally, several other shows are in development, such as a follow-up to “1923” called “1944.” As for “6666,” initially announced in 2021 and established through Jimmy’s (Jefferson White) appearances on Seasons 4 and 5 at the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, its production is currently on hold.

The most significant upcoming series on the horizon is titled “The Madison“, a follow-up to the original show, which was initially slated for release in 2024. In this series, Michelle Pfeiffer takes on the role of a wealthy matriarch who relocates her family from New York City to Montana following her husband’s death in a plane crash. At present, it appears that no characters from “Yellowstone” will be featured; however, Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, Matthew Fox, Beau Garrett, Amiah Miller, and Ben Schnetzer have all officially joined the cast.

2024-11-07 02:06